SHIP Dependents FAQs

Eli­gible dependents are the spouse or domestic partner who resides with the Insured Student and the student’s and/or spouse’s or the domestic partner’s natural child, stepchild, or legally adopted child under 26 years of age. For a full definition of who qualifies as a dependent please visit Insurance for Dependents.

Dependents rates are published on the Insurance for Dependents page. 

Dependent enrollments are accepted during the open enrollment period of each term. 

• The Fall open enrollment period is from July 1 to September 1. Fall coverage starts on August 1 and will not be prorated if you sign up between August 2 and September 1.
• The Spring open enrollment period is from December 1 to February 1. Spring coverage starts on January 1 and will not be prorated if you sign up between January 2 and February 1. 
  

Enrollment is completed online. The online enrollment form will be available during the enrollment period. 

Yes.

• For a spouse, a marriage certificate.
• For same-sex/opposite-sex domestic partners, a UHS Declaration of Domestic Partnership Form.
• For a natural child, a birth certificate showing the student is the parent of the child.
• For a stepchild, a birth certificate and a marriage certificate showing that one of the parents listed on the birth certificate is married to the student.
• For an adopted or foster child, documentation from the placement agency showing that the student has the legal right to control the child’s health care.

Most credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. 

No, all payments for dependent enrollments must be made online at the time of enrollment.

Payment is due in full for the semester at the time of enrollment.  

• For newborns, the premiums will be prorated to the month in which the newborn is enrolled.  For example, if the newborn is enrolled in February, premiums will be calculated from February forward. 

Yes, Berkeley SHIP offers the same medical, dental, and vision benefits to students and dependents. For more information on the benefits under the plan, please see SHIP benefits

No, dependents must be re-enrolled each term. It is the student’s responsibility to enroll before the enrollment deadline listed on the Insurance for Dependents page. No reminder will be sent to students or dependents covered under the plan. 

A Qualifying Life Event is a major life change that may affect your health insurance needs. Qualifying Life Events may make your dependent eligible for a special enrollment period outside the open enrollment period. Please click here for more information about eligibility and how to proceed. 

No, dependent enrollment in this plan is voluntary.

No, dependents must be enrolled for the same term of coverage for which the Insured Student enrolls. Dependent coverage expires concurrently with that of the Insured Student and Dependents must re-enroll when coverage terminates to maintain coverage.

Effective May 1, 2020, SHIP Dependents 18 and over can use some services at the Tang Center. Please see the listing of services for more details. 

SHIP dependents also have the option to seek services outside the Tang Center. 

• To locate in-network medical and mental health providers, please use the Wellfleet provider search tool.
• To locate in-network dentists, please visit the SHIP dental page for more information.
• To locate in-network optometrists, please visit the SHIP vision page for more information.

No, referrals are not required for dependents.  

Contact the UC Berkeley SHIP Office:

Phone: (510) 642-5700
Fax: (510) 642-9119
Email: ship@berkeley.edu